Cases of meningococcal illness confirmed at County Roscommon school

The HSE and the public health service have been notified of two confirmed cases and one probable case of meningococcal illness at Abbey Community College in Boyle.

Principal David Harding told the Roscommon Herald “We are working with the HSE on the best approach to the situation. The most important thing is the recovery and health of the individual students and their privacy.

“The school is working with public health on the management of the issue and we will be guided by them. A decision has been taken to treat all the students and the staff.” The HSE will attend the school, which is presently closed for mid term break , this Thursday where they will issue a single tablet in order to prevent the further spread of the illness.

It is also hoped by doing so it will treat any cases that might be slow to emerge.

Symptoms of the illness include headache, high temperature, vomiting, neck pain, dislike to bright lights, a red purple rash which does not fade on pressure and dizziness. The advice is to seek medical attention without delay if there are any concerns.

Parents were notified by letter of the situation on Monday night.

Mr Harding also asked that the public not be involved in speculation about numbers saying that “all correspondence will be given out by the school in conjunction with the HSE.” He reiterated that the recovery and privacy of those affected was of utmost importance.

He acknowledged that the situation is disturbing for the students and the whole school but “there are no obvious links between the cases.” He added that the school has carried out all the necessary requirements in a health situation such as this and agreed as advised by the HSE that it is best to take all precautions to limit the spread of the illness.